Antum Naqvi

[ZIMFAN]

PJ was a bad example. So I retract that. I know he played cricket in Ireland for three years. If we are cross because he isn't Zimbabwean, then I was more making the pont I don't think PJ is Irish and he can play for Ireland. But yes bad example.

I see no difference between him and Tom Cooper who plays for Holland.

If you lads want to get wound up about it good for you. I agree with your takes most times. Just not about this.

[Googly]

All those "mercenaries" that play for Holland and whoever else have a birthright. Others do their time.

[ZIMFAN]

They do have a birthright..I just don't think they are particularly Dutch and I am sure you guys don't when we play them.

[secretzimbo]

Tom Cooper? Well his mum was Dutch and he had a Dutch passport long before he even thought about playing cricket for them.

Naqvi has absolutely no association whatsoever, not even a tenuous one. This is beyond a joke. He can fuck off as far as I’m concerned.

He might be a great cricketer but if he keeps a Zimbo out of the side it will be disgusting.

[Googly]

This country is full of very dubious people that get back door passports. Then legit citizens can't get one and get fucked around from pillar to post.

[CalZim]

Still don't know how I feel about this one.

One side of me says the guy is world class, he is tearing up our domestic system with bat and ball and would be great to see him helping us win some national games.

Then there is the discussion about how this all came about and that's what puts me off. The financial backing thing and his debut has annoyed many Zimbabweans including players.

He is putting the graft in though playing in the NPL and I am sure if he turned up and played for a lesser known team working his way up he would have been well loved at this point.

We are crying out for players of his calibre so I am willing to give him a chance and wish him success. The frustration won't go away but national team success is my highest priority.

Both him and Welch coming in are positive signs for Zimbabwe cricket.

[CalZim]

One thing that annoys me on the dutch theme though is that Sybrand Engelbrecht. The guy hasn't played a competitive (recognised) game in 7 years yet he makes their national squad for the world cup now that's bonkers! Imagine how the dutch players who have missed out(some of which played in the qualifiers) are feeling!

[ZIMFAN]

Yeah that Tom Cooper. He is only playing for them because he cannot play for Aussie. I am not going to argue about how passionately he feels about being Dutch because neither you or I know that.

My point was more about that the days of 11 test cricketers being 11 native born people are long gone. I don't disagree with you that the system is shit. Or that he has fiddled it. Though I have no idea of that is the case not.

[Googly]

Yeah that's just plain wrong as well.
Modern sport has created a mercenary environment. Everyone has different views, clearly, but the way this has unfolded has red lined my BP.
He'll get a shot. Pops better have deep pockets if he doesn't come off.
Recipients of the looming largesse will be praying he has 37 shit games in a row.

[secretzimbo]

Engelbrecht has Dutch blood and he’s done three years residency full-time living and working in the country.

Again a rubbish comparison. Try harder guys.